BPFT 2012 will commence in Chandigarh on September 15 and conclude on November 4 in Mumbai, an exciting 50 day journey. From Chandigarh to Mumbai, 6 cities will play host to the work of 13 fabulous designers and their spectacular creations, at what can only be called a benchmark on the Indian fashion calendar. Speaking on the tour, Bikram Basu, Vice President -Marketing, Pernod Ricard India said, “The 8th Edition of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour exudes style, skill and allure. As with every year the tour will raise the bar in fashion. Its mix of trend spotting with the finest talent and a national audience touch point makes it differentiated and special.”

The Bollywood Diva and fashion icon Priyanka Chopra has been appointed by Pernod Ricard India as the Brand Ambassador for BLENDER’s PRIDE FASHION TOUR 2012. Priyanka Chopra features in a multimedia campaign for BPFT shot stylishly in black & white by ace lens man Bharat Sikka. As the event ambassador, her stylish persona and global fashion sensibilities will be a super attraction.

After a grand preview in Mumbai that took place on September 2, the eagerly awaited fashion extravaganza kick started in Chandigarh and now comes to the city of joy Kolkata over the weekend, featuring Nida Mahmood, Shantanu & Nikhil, Asmita Marwa and Raghavendra Rathore on day 1 of BPFT.

Known for her quirky designs and prints and the very unconventional silhouettes for women, this time Nida Mahmood brings in a collection even for the male dressers. Called “Bombay Bun Maska” the name is inspired by the iconic bun Maska of Bombay and also refers to the free spirited people who are non- pretentious and believe in creating a style all their own. It is Boho chic at its best, for the very structured garments with a few fluid ones thrown in. Adding some exciting touches are the LED lights on the flowers that dazzle on the heads of the models. Bengali beauty Raima Sen walked the ramp for Nida.

Nida Mahmood and Raima Sen

Fashion for the bridal couple during the many festivities before the big day and the romance of the event is the inspiration for the collection by Shantanu and Nikhil who are often influenced by the French boudoir and baroque eras as well as the Hollywood movies of yesteryear where the look is utterly feminine and romantic. The contours of the garments by the designers create new trendsetting silhouettes in luxurious laces to recreate the beauty of a festive carnival. For bridal glamour through the wedding week, Shantanu and Nikhil offer the most exciting choices for the couple.

Nida Mahmood and Raima Sen

For designer Asmita Marwa her “La Vie En Rose” line is perfect resort holiday wear for men and women. It is a collection that is inspired by the 60s and 70s Woodstock era of fashion when freedom, peace and music expression defined the lives of people. Asmita has fairly structured silhouettes but there is a lot of fluidity in the cropped pants, tunics, shirts and she has added a few feathers for collars that create the hippy chic era look. Men's shirts follow the batik story in pink, blue and green with lots of black. The detailing is restricted to raw edges which appear for collars and hemlines and the interesting addition is press buttons, which are the highlight of the collection.

Showing his newly launched diffusion line, Raghavendra Rathore gives the fashion conscious a great mass market brand that was started a year ago for men. Keeping it different from his high end line, “Club J” and “Club Jodhpur” are aimed at the mainstream market with a look that works for the western and ethnic buyer. A lot of importance is paid to the different fabrics and the subtle detailing which Raghavendra is known for. “Club Jodhpur” is ethnic wear with Jodhpur jackets, achkans, kurtas, churidars and Nehru jackets along with long embroidered waistcoats. The perfect finish and surface embellishments are an integral part of the collection. Actor/Model Debi Dutta walk the ramp for the model in her native city.

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2012 is supported by the best in the Industry- Alison Woodham for choreography, Ambika Pillai for makeup and features only the finest runway models.

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